Entertainment
Ed Sheeran Criticizes Inclusion in Band Aid 40 Anniversary Track
Ed Sheeran has expressed disappointment over the use of his vocals in a new 40th-anniversary version of Do They Know It’s Christmas? without his consent.
Taking to Instagram, Sheeran revealed he would have “respectfully” declined the request, referencing a critique by British-Ghanaian rapper Fuse ODG that challenges the narrative surrounding foreign aid in Africa.
The new version, set for release next week, combines Sheeran’s vocals from the 2014 Band Aid 30 recording with those of Sting from the original 1984 charity single. Sheeran sang alongside artists like Coldplay, Sam Smith, and One Direction for the earlier iteration.
“My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release,” Sheeran wrote. “Had I had the choice, I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals.”
He elaborated, “A decade on, my understanding of the narrative has evolved, beautifully articulated by @fuseodg. This is just my personal stance, and I hope it’s a forward-thinking one. Love to all x.”